Kia's New Emblem and 'K8' Model Revealed in Real Life

Dynamic and Elegant Design
Over 24,000 Pre-Orders Recorded
Sales Price Starting from 32.2 Million KRW

Kia unveiled the first model showcasing its new direction, the 'K8,' in person on the 8th at Kia 360 in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and officially began sales. The K8 is the first to apply Kia's new design philosophy, 'Opposite United,' inspired by nature. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Kia, which has declared its transformation into a mobility company, unveiled the first physical model K8 that shows its new direction. The K8 features a dynamic yet luxurious design and a wide range of convenience features that provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

On the 8th, Kia held a media unveiling event at KIA360 in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and officially began sales. On the first day of pre-orders starting on the 23rd of last month, 18,015 units were booked, and by the 7th of this month, a total of about 24,000 units had been contracted.

Inspired by nature, Kia completed the dynamic yet elegant exterior design of the K8 by reflecting the newly revealed design philosophy last month, “Opposite United” (a creative fusion of contrasting concepts). The front features the new Kia logo and a bumper-integrated radiator grille, applied for the first time in the brand, creating an innovative design.

The K8 welcomes the driver with the “Star Cloud Lighting,” which functions as daytime running lights and turn signals, and the “Dynamic Welcome Light (DWL)” feature that randomly lights up 10 lamps when unlocking the car doors. The side features streamlined character lines that harmonize with the body volume. Especially, the rear applies a “Rear Lamp Cluster” composed of left and right rear lamps connected by a graphic, maximizing the three-dimensional effect.

Inside, a driver-centered space is realized with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system integrated into a panoramic curved display, along with a 12-inch head-up display. Additionally, the British luxury brand Meridian premium sound system (14 speakers available as an option) is installed, reminiscent of a concert hall. Moreover, mood lighting throughout the interior enhances the luxurious atmosphere.

Kia equipped the K8 with numerous advanced driver assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), improving both safety and convenience.

The selling price ranges from 32.2 million to 45.26 million KRW based on a 3.5% individual consumption tax. Kia operates the K8 with three engines: 2.5 gasoline, 3.5 gasoline, and 3.5 LPI, and plans to launch the 1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid next month.